Structural and functional studies on prokaryote serpins

The work will use structural, biophysical and biochemical techniques to investigate the three members of the prokaryote branch of the serpin superfamily. The study will investigate how conformationally labile molecules such as serpins have adapted to function as protease inhibitors in extreme environments and, more generally, provide insight into why certain proteins fold to metastable conformations. The work will also identify new serpin functions and conformations and it is anticipated that these data will lead to profound insights into further understanding the role of these unusual molecules in higher animals and plants.